Miscellaneous

We’ve all dreamed of having our own fireplace on a number of occasions. Although wood stoves might conjure up images of a smoke-belching potbelly in a backwoods cabin, today’s models are efficient heaters that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission guidelines and reduce heating bills by nearly half when energy prices are high. Today I want to talk about the wood burning stove installation cost.

Installation Cost

The national average for gas fireplace installation is $1,918. A wood-burning fireplace installation costs between $842 and $3,050, on average. However, these figures vary greatly based on the fireplace type and installation considerations. It can get a little pricey depending on several factors.

Price in the UK

In terms of UK pricing, it can cost anything from £600-£300 to install a wood burner, but once again, the exact costs of installation will be as unique as the number of situations. Installations start from as little as £1,900 (incl. VAT) for a smaller stove, which includes lining the chimney. In general, basic wood burning stoves with heat outputs of 4kW to 10kW sell for between £500 and £1,500, although designer stoves can cost substantially more.

Fuel Source

A wood-burning fireplace uses logs as its main fuel source. Though you will not have to worry about installing a gas line or running up your electric bill, purchasing wood on a regular basis can become quite costly. A wood burning stove can be fed with logs, pellets and smokeless fuels. Although the price of wood fuel varies considerably, it is often cheaper than other heating options.

You must also clean the fireplace and chimney frequently to remove soot and debris. It can drastically lower your utility expenses.

If you would like to learn more about the cost of wood fuel, visit Wikipedia.

Factors to Consider

A high-quality wood stove can cost between $3,000 and $4,000. This includes the cost of the stovepipe, assembly and other basic installation expenses. According to Hetas, the industry regulatory body, at least 175,000 households are installing a wood burner each year, which is five times more than in 2007.

Depending on the power output and the amount of usage, a wood burning stove could consume around £50 to £150 worth of wood per year. Here are the most common factors to consider when purchasing a wood stove for your home.

Consideration

Average Cost

Chimney/Stovepipe Installation

$28-$86 plus labor

Non-combustible Wall Covering

$9 plus labor

Base Installation

Material costs vary, plus labor

Vented Vs. Unvented

With every fireplace or wood stove installation you need to choose whether your unit will be vented or unvented. Adding vents and ductwork can add a great deal to your fireplace or wood stove installation, but not every home or every unit needs venting. Another thing to bear in mind is that a wood burning stove could be a good investment, not just energy-wise, but because of their popularity it may add value to your home.

A woodburner is a great focal point in a room and will make your home stand out to potential purchasers.

Catalytic Vs. Non-catalytic Combustion

Standalone stoves are divided into two distinct categories, with each offering their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Wood Stove Type

Pros

Cons

Catalytic Combustion

Higher efficiency

Less debris

More difficult to operate

Frequent replacement

Non-catalytic Combustion

Easy to use

Less maintenance

More debris/cleaning required

Potential Drawbacks

As with most things there are also downsides to using wood stoves. Many people find wood stoves attractive, but they lack the big, open hearth of traditional fireplaces while still requiring you to do the same wood chopping and stoking. Keep in mind that you would need multiple wood stoves in order to fully warm your home if there is too much space between the stove and the entire living area.

Since the stove doesn’t have any ventilation other than the pipe that sends out smoke to the outside, it’s not unusual to expect certain rooms to be colder than the rest. When in doubt, buy two of the best wood stove.

With average annual heating costs of $638, according to Energy Star, your yearly savings could range from $64 to $255.

Note:All types of fuel prices are constantly in flux and vary greatly from region to region.

Final Thoughts

Installing a fireplace or wood stove in your home can cut energy costs, improve the home’s resale value and keep your family comfy and cozy all winter long. Again, the average wood burning stove installation cost is roughly around $2,000 for the smaller stoves and up to $4,500 for the larger twin sized wood stoves. It’s highly recommended to consider all these things before making a purchase.

With fall approaching, it is time to say goodbye to the hot summer days and get ready for colder weather. Arming your home with a heater is a smart way to prepare for the transition in seasons and to keep warm. Rising fuel costs have pushed many homeowners to buy natural fuel heaters in order to cut utility costs. However, the multitude of models/features/prices may be overwhelming and confusing. The first thing to consider is the fuel type you prefer, so we going to use this article to help differentiate your two main options. You can’t go wrong with either choice, but let’s take a closer look.

Fuel Cost

The focal difference between the two types is the fuel they use to operate.

Wood

Wood burning devices obviously use logs as fuel. Finding firewood to use is cheap and convenient. There are plenty of opportunities to acquire it for free, and purchasing it is cheaper than buying pellets in the long run. A few good scavenging ideas are: dead or dying trees, tree clearing at a new building site, landfills, etc. If you can split your own firewood then you are in even better shape.

Pellet

Wood pellets, made up of concentrated sawdust and wood chips, are used as the fuel. Pellets are made by special manufacturers and sold in home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. They can also be ordered online or purchased from local dealers (local varieties often best). They are typically sold in 40 pound bags that store well if kept away from moisture. People who use this type of heater often burn through around 2-3 tons of pellets during the winter time. For this reason, we recommend that you buy all your fuel up front because shortages can be common if local suppliers run out.

Powering Source

The power that either type requires to operate is another characteristic that distinguishes them.

Wood Burning Stoves

These operate just like fireplaces. You add your fuel, light it, and stoke as needed. A key factor in their operation is that they do not need external power or electricity to work. They are always operational as long as there is fuel available. If your home is prone to power outages, these are your best option.

Pellet Fueled Stoves

Unlike their competitor, these depend on an external power source in order to run. Electricity is a necessity for pellet stoves to function, so if the power goes out, so does your heat. The electricity is used to operate a motorized hopper that shoots the pellets inside the burn chamber. Nonetheless, a backup generator or alternative power supply can be used to run the machine during power outages.

Environmental Friendliness

Neither option emits hazardous levels of smoke and carbon, but there is a slight difference that should be considered if minimizing environmental impact is a priority.

Wood Burners

They release about 2 to 7.5 grams of smoke every hour. This is a minimal amount and is accepted by EPA standards.

Pellet Burners

They release almost no smoke, at an amount less than 1 gram per hour. Furthermore, pellets are made up of wood waste, and using them as fuel is a form of recycling them because you keep them out of landfills.

Safety

These products are not toys (or simply home decorations) and precautions should always be taken when there is fire involved. The two types operate differently and have their own safety factors. Understandably, both become extremely hot, and small children and pets should be kept away.

Wood Stove

Much like fireplaces, they can emit sparks that can cause burns. Additionally, the firewood brought inside the home may bring pests from the outside.

Pellet Stove

These innovative machines don’t have the risks mentioned above because they burn cleaner and safer. This will allow you and your family to avoid erratically flying embers, but also lose out on a more attractive flame pattern.

Stove Maintenance

Each type requires different forms of maintenance and cleaning.

Wood Stoves

If you have ever owned a fireplace, you know the process. Both need to be cleaned after usage and have excess ash removed. Furthermore, a certified chimney professional should annually inspect the system.

Pellet Stoves

Maintenance is a straightforward process that can be done by following the manufacturer’s guide. Here’s a reminder to make sure you select the best pellet stove. Simple checks of the motors and fans, as well as removing used pellets is all you need in regards to upkeep. That being said, we do still recommend an annual inspection by a certified pro.

Price

Buying a new heater is a great investment for your home that comes at a reasonable cost. The price differences between models that burn logs vs. pelletized wood are slim, so that should not influence which type you decide to purchase. There are many other factors that should have higher priority. Both styles have lower end and premium options based on quality and performance. Overall, finding a product that matches your budget should be a relatively simple task.

Key Considerations

Wood Stove

No power required (essential if your home is prone to frequent outages)

Uses firewood/logs to operate

Offers more intense heat

More attractive flame pattern

Provides the homely ambiance of a fireplace

Usually requires a chimney to vent out smoke

Pellet Stove

More convenient to maintain and easier to clean

Requires electricity

Can run for a long period of time unattended

Often noisier than wood version

Relies on pellets to operate

Steady, soft heat (controllable thermostat)

Easier to install

Can be vented through a small hole in the wall, rather than a chimney

Final Thoughts

Both options have clear advantages, and although this post was titled “wood stove VS pellet stove” we guarantee that you will be satisfied with either one. This being said, compare the pros and cons between the two and decide which features are most beneficial for you. These products are growing in popularity because of their cost-saving and convenience benefits. Your decision to invest in an appliance that keeps your family and home warm is remarkable, and we are happy to help you along the way.